• Randstad Report Reveals Growth at Risk as Employer and Talent Confidence Diverges
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands – A new report from talent company Randstad reveals a significant confidence gap in the global labor market, with 95% of employers expecting business growth this year while only 51% of workers share that optimism.
What is new?
Randstad’s latest Workmonitor research has identified a “Great Workforce Adaptation” underway, stemming from a stark confidence gap between employers and their talent. The findings, based on a survey of over 27,000 workers and 1,225 employers across 35 markets, indicate that while 95% of businesses anticipate growth, only half of their workforce is convinced. This divergence occurs against a backdrop of global volatility and is reshaping career paths, accelerating AI integration, and redefining the role of management.
The AI Reality Gap
A critical mismatch persists regarding the implementation of artificial intelligence. While companies are accelerating plans for AI-driven efficiency, 21% of workers believe their tasks will see zero impact from the technology, and 47% fear AI will benefit the company more than them. In contrast, analysis of over 3 million job postings shows demand for roles with “AI Agent” skills has skyrocketed by 1,587% during 2025, and demand for “AI Trainers” surged 247%. The need for prompt engineering as a core skill across all functions has also grown by 403%.
The report suggests AI is augmenting tasks within existing roles rather than causing widespread job displacement. In response, 65% of talent recognize the need for upskilling, and 52% are independently seeking opportunities to future-proof their skills.
Rethinking Career Paths
The traditional corporate ladder is becoming obsolete, with 72% of employers calling it “outdated.” Only 41% of talent still aspire to a linear career path, as many diversify their experience through “portfolio careers.” This shift is reflected in workforce behavior, with 40% of workers taking on a second role and 38% wanting to pursue different types of jobs throughout their careers. While pay remains the top factor for attracting talent (81%), work-life balance is the key driver for retention, cited by 46% of employees.
Managers as a Source of Stability
Amid economic uncertainty, trust in senior leadership has declined from 77% to 72%, falling to 67% among Gen Z. In response, workers are relying more on their direct supervisors, with 72% reporting a strong relationship with their manager, up from 64% in 2024. Sander van ‘t Noordende, a company representative, commented on the findings: “Labor markets are under immense pressure, and it will be those that adapt that will succeed. AI should be seen as key to augmenting tasks and highlighting the importance of roles that only people can do. Human connection remains core to organizations, with managers taking on an ever more important role in maintaining stability.”
About this company
Randstad is a global talent company headquartered in the Netherlands. Operating in 39 markets with approximately 40,000 employees, the company focuses on providing clients with high-quality and agile workforces through its specializations in Operational, Professional, Digital, and Enterprise talent solutions. In 2024, Randstad supported over 1.7 million people in finding work and generated revenues of €24.1 billion. Randstad N.V. is publicly listed on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange.